Liquid applying device for cables, wires, and the like



Sept. 8, 1953 c. J. REIGH 2,651,288

LIQUID APPLYING DEVICE FOR CABLES, WIRES AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 16, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet l BY m m ATTORNEYS;

Sgpt. 8, 1953 I c. .J REIGH 2,651,288

LIQUID APPLYING DEVICE FOR CABLES, WIRES. AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 16', 1951 z sheetsaheet'z A TTORNEYSQ Patented Sept. 8, 1 953 OFFICE LIQUID APPLYING DEVICE FOR CABLES, WIRES,AND THE LIKE Clarence J. Reigh, Altoona, Pa.

Application February 16, 1951, Serial No. 211,263

7 Claims. (01. 118-108) This invention relates to apparatus for applying fluid to an elongate body, and more particularly concerns a device for applying a coating of liquid to pipes, cables, wires and the like.

It has long been recognized that the painting or coating of cabl and similar elongate bodies is a diflicult and tedious operation. While machines have been proposed for accomplishing the rapid application of paint to cables, these devices have proved generally unsatisfactory in that they are incapable of applying a smooth coating rapidly to the entire exposed surface of the cable; they have a tendency to pass by certain areas of the cable without coating them and to apply an excessively thick coating to other areas. Moreover many cables are hung together in groups wherein one cable is supported by hangers from another cable, and the presence of such hangers and other oversize objects interferes with or completely prevents the efficient operation .of the cable coating mechanism. Moreover it has been necessary frequently to disconnect the cable coating device from the cable being coated so that the coating device may be passed around adjacent poles or other uprights which serve to support the cables. This is a cause of annoyance, delay, and expense.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a simple efiicient device for applying a coating to an elongate body such as a pipe, cable or the like. It is another object of the invention to provide a continuous cable coating device adapted to be drawn along the cable. A still further object of the invention is to provide a cable coating device having capacity to apply a fluid coating to a plurality of cables in a single pass. Still another object is to provide a device of the character indicated having capacity to expand and contract to accommodate relatively bulky articles connected to the cables, without requiring removal from the cables. It is a still further object of the invention to provide a cable coating apparatus having capacity to tilt to pass around the poles or uprights adjacent to the cable, upon which the cable is supported. Further objects and advantages of the invention, including the simplicity of the same, and the ease with which it may be operated, will appear in further detail hereinafter and in the drawings whereof:

Fig. 1 represents a side elevation of one embodiment of cable coating apparatus in accordance with this invention. In this figure the device is suspended from a pair of associated cables, and part of the apparatus is broken away and shown in section in order to disclose important details;

Fig. 2 represents a front end elevation of the apparatus of Fig. 1, the cable being shown in section;

Fig. 3 represents a fragmentary end elevation similar to Fig. 2, showing the details of construc tion of one portion of the apparatus; and

Fig. 4 represents a fragmentary view in perspective of one end of the receptacle which constitutes another portion of the apparatus, as viewed from within the receptacle, portions of the device being removed forthe sake of clarity.

In summary, the foregoing and other objects of the invention are accomplished by the provision of apparatus for coating cable with a fluid, comprising a receptacle for the coating fluid, means for suspending said receptacle below said cable, and rotary liquid applicator means nonvertically supported in said receptacle, said applicator means extending within the receptacle and above the top of said receptacle, said applicator means also being pivotally mounted for swinging movement toward'and away from said cable and normally bearing against said cableby reason of its own weight. 7

It will be appreciated that the apparatus represented in thedrawings constitutes one preferred embodiment of the invention which may be modified in many particulars without departing from the scope of the invention.

Having reference now'to the drawings, the em-- bodiment of the invention selected for illustration is suspended from the messenger cable It by suspending means including the wheels or rollers II and the rigid brackets l2 which are interconnected by the longitudinal bar [8 and are attached to one side only of the receptacle I 3. Pivotally mounted to both sides of the receptacle I3 are the rotary discs M to which the swabs I5 are afiixed. Apertured connector plates I6 are affixed to the bottom of the receptacle [3 providing means for attaching the pull-rope I 1 whereby the apparatus may be drawn along the cable by an operator stationed'onthe ground or at some other placebelow the cable. 'As the apparatus is moved alongthe cable the discs M are rotated by reason of friction'drag of swabs l5 against the messenger cable [0' and the main cable 2|] suspended therefrom by the hangers 2!. Thus the paint or other fluid in the reservoir is lifted by rotation of the swabs I5 which overlap one another to'substantially fill thespace intervening the respective rotary'discs [4. The fluid is thus applied to the cables 10 and'20, as well as to the I hangers 2|.

The receptacle [3 is in the form of a-boat hav mg side walls 22 extending concavely upwardly from the bottom 23. Angled guide walls 24 are affixed to side walls 22, and upwardly inclined front and back bottom pieces 25 are sealed thereto. The relatively small substantially vertical front and back walls 26 are welded to the elements 24, 25. Angled flanges 21 extend along the tops of the side walls 22 and bumper flanges 30, constituting extensions of flanges 21, are aflixed to the tops of angled guide walls 24. The bumper flanges 30 are rounded and serve as bumpers guiding the entire receptacle l3 around the poles or other uprights from which the cables H], 20 are suspended. The splash plates 3| are extended across the forward and rear ends of the receptacle as illustrated in Fig. 4, and are welded to the flanges 30 and front walls 25. Splash plates 3| are bent slightly into V-formation, as appears in Fig. 2. g

In the apparatus illustrated in the drawings, means are provided for mounting the rotary discs |4 non-vertically with capacity to swing toward and away from the cable. Inclined rest plates 32 are adjustably secured to flanges 2'! by means of screws 33 extending through slots 34 and threaded to the lip plates 35 disposed against side walls 22 and flanges 27. Brackets 36, formed integrally with rest plates 32, have apertures through which the longitudinal shafts 31 are extended. A swinging carriage having apertured side walls 40 and triangular front and back walls 4| is pivotally mounted on each longitudinal shaft 31', which extends through aligned holes in the front and back walls 4|. Transverse shafts 42 extend through the aligned apertures in side walls 40 and are rotatably supported thereby. Each transverse shaft 42 has a threaded surface portion 43 spaced from the shaft ends, for engagement with spacer nut 44. At its inner end each transverse shaft 42 is secured to a rotary disc l4. Each rotary disc M has spaced pairs of radially aligned holes through which individual pieces of fibrous material 45 such as rope, cordage, bristles or the like are threaded to form the swabs l on the inner face of rotary disc l4. The pieces of fibrous material 45 are attached to the outer faces of rotary discs M by nails 45.

It will be observed that the applicators which include rotary discs l4 and swabs |5 are tilted toward one another from the vertical, and are normally yieldably maintained against the cables Ill, 20 by reason of their own weight. Th swabs l5 extend from the bottom of the receptacle l3 upwardly to a level above the cable to be coated with fluid, and have capacity to apply fluid in excess to the cables H], 2B and to the hanger 2|.

Means are provided for swinging one of the rotary discs l4 outwardly to provide free space for insertion of the cables i0, 20 initially into the machine, and to support the disc M at rest in such position. From Fig. 2 of the drawings it will be observed that brackets l2 extend upwardly only from the right hand side of the receptacle I3, and that free space is provided above the left hand side of receptacle I3 for swinging the disc l4 about shaft 31. Thus there is provided, in connection with the left hand rotary disc 14, a handle 41 mounted on handle carrying arm 5|] pivoted at 48 to back wall 4| for swinging such disc upwardly and outwardly about its longitudinal shaft 31. The lever operated by handle 41 consists essentially of the handle carrying arm 50 and a relatively short lever arm 5| the free end of which is rounded and bears against, and slides along, the upper surfaceof stationary rest plate 32 to swing the transverse shaft 42 upwardly with back plate 41.

4 and outwardly, or counterclockwise about longitudinal shaft 3?, as viewed in Figs. 2, 3, when handle carrying arm 50 is similarly swung counterclockwise. By swinging the handle carrying arm 50 through an arc of 90 degrees the lever arm 5| is swung to a perpendicular position relative to rest plate 32, as indicated in Fig. 3, and serves as a rest support for the disc |4 thus swung outwardly for insertion or withdrawal of the cables Hi, 20. Movement of the arm 50 about its pivot 48 is limited by a lug 52 formed integrally However, handle-carrying arm 5|! may be swung further counterclockwise about longitudinal shaft 31 and, acting through the lug 52, swings the disc |4 further counterclockwise. Thus the parts eventually assume the positions represented in dot-dash lines in Fig. 2., the receptacl |3 as well as the swab l5 being then fully accessible for inspection, cleaning, and the like. The plain or unthreaded end of the transverse shaft d2 bears against the under surface of the lip plate 35, supporting the disc M and swab I5 in such position.

In view of the fact that swabs l5 have capacity to apply excess coating liquid to the cables H1, 20 and hangers 2|, means are provided for removing such excess liquid and returning it to the receptacle |3. Inclined support plates 50, each provided with a pair of spaced vertical slots 51, are fixed to the top of splash plates 3| and to brackets l2. A brush holder cup 62 is adjustably attached to each support plate 60 by means of screws. Slots 6| permit the adjustment of the brush holder cups B2 vertically toward and away from the cable 2|]. Each brush holder cup 62 is provided at its bottom 59 with drainage holes.

A brush having bristles 63 mounted in base 64 is positioned free of attachment in cup 52. Drainage channels 65 extend through each brush base 64, extending from top to bottom thereof, providing for drainage of the excess liquid absorbed by the bristles 53 and for return of such liquid to the receptacle |3.

It will be appreciated that the brushes'having bristles 63 and bases 64, as well as the holders 60, are provided in matched pairs at both ends of receptacle |3. Moreover each brush holder cup 62 has equally inclined front and back walls 66 whereby the proper inclination is provided for the brush bases 54 for either direction of travel of the apparatus along the cable.

From the foregoing description, the operation of the apparatus will be readily apparent. The receptacle i3 is filled with paint or other liquid to be applied to the cable, and the apparatus carried by the operator up a pole or upright to the level of the cable. Handle 41 is manipulated and swung to the rest position represented in Fig. 3 of the drawings, swinging the corresponding disc i4 outwardly to present free space for insertion of cable, and the entire apparatus is lifted and swung to place the rollers H on top of cable l8. Handle 4? is then manipulated in reverse, returning the disc M to the position represented in Fig, 2, the discs l4 and swabs l5 then resting against the cables I0, 20 by reason of their own weight. By means of the tow rope H the opera.- tor draws the entire device in' either direction along the cable. By reason of the friction drag of the cable against swabs l5 the discs M are rotated simultaneously, and in proportion to the length of cable actually coated. The rotatingv swabs 15 are immersed in the liquid in receptacle I3 and continuously lift such liquid as the disc |4 rotates, applying excess liquid to the cabIeS and hangers. I The excess liquid'applied to the upper cable It and to the hangers 2| flows by gravity to the bottom of lower cable 20, andis removed by bristles 63 and returned to receptacle [3 through channels 65 and holders 62.

As the cable coating operation progresses the receptacle [3 passes by the poles or uprights which support the cable above the earth. Even though the cable may be close by the pole, the inclined faces 24 and bumper flanges 30 provide guide means whereby the entire apparatus is tilted by contact with the pole or upright for passage by the pole on said cable. The liquid in the receptacle l3 constitutes shiftable ballast maintaining the balance of the cable coating apparatus as it is tilted, and returning it to the vertical after the pole or upright is passed. Brush bases 64 are manually removable for any supplemental painting desired, or for cleaning receptacle l 3 with solvent after use.

It will be appreciated that it is of advantage to provide the rotary applicators heretofore described for applying the liquid to the cable being coated, and to maintain such rotary applicators in a non-vertical position causing each applicator to bear upon the cable being coated by reason of its own weight, thereby exerting consistent, balanced pressure upon the cable. In accordance with such construction the liquid applicators are yieldably mounted for swinging movement toward and away from the cable and are automatically adaptable to permit passage of hangers or other sizable objects which are frequently encountered in coating cable. As the cable coating machine encounters such sizable objects the applicators yield to the necessary extent under the influence of the objects without interruption of the flow of cable coating liquid. The applicators return or fall inwardly against the cable by reason of their own weight when the bulky object is passed.

It is also important to provide liquid-applying means having capacity to convey the liquid in excess quantities to the elongate body being coated, thereby assuring complete coverage of the exposed surface, and to provide means for removing such excess liquid and returning it to the liquid receptacle after it has been applied. In such manner a smooth and even coat of liquid of proper thickness is applied to the entire exposed surface of.the body being coated.

It will be appreciated that, although the invention has been described in detail with reference to one embodiment thereof, it may also be practiced by substituting a wide variety of modifications or equivalents for the elements shown and described herein. All such modifications, including reversals of parts and the use of certain features independently of the use of other features, are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. Apparatus for coating an elongate body with a fluid, comprising a receptacle for the coating fluid, means for suspending said receptacle below 'said elongate body, and a pair of rotary liquid applicator discs supported at opposite sides of said body at an angle to the vertical in said receptacle, each of said applicator discs extending from within the receptacle to a point above the top of said receptacle, each of said applicator discs also being pivotally mounted for swinging movement toward and away from said elongate body and toward and away from one another, and each said applicator disc normally bearing againSt 'said elongate body by reason of its own weight.

J Apparatus for coating cable with a fluid, comprising a frame, rollers on said frame adapted to be mounted for travel along the top ofs-said. cable, .a self balancing fluid container fixed to said frame and thereby suspended below said rollers, applicator carriages mounted on said receptacle ateach side of said cable each with capacity formovement about a pivot substantially parallel-to said cable, a shaft mounted on each applicatorcarriage and extending substantially transversely of said cable, and a rotary applicator oneach said shaft, each rotary applicator extending into the fluid in the fluid container and'upwardly and inwardly at an angle against a side of thec'able, and normally bearing against the. cable. by. reason of its own weight. 3. Apparatus for coating a continuous elongate body suspended from aseries of uprights comprising a receptacle for the coating fluid, means for suspending said receptacle from said elongate body, means for moving said receptacle along said elongate body, said receptacle having a front end of restricted area and sloping side walls extending outwardly from said front end rearwardly to the receptacle body, said sloping side walls serving to guide the receptacle around said uprights as the apparatus proceeds along the elongate body, and rotary liquid applicator means supported at an angle to the vertical in said receptacle, said applicator means extending within the receptacle and above the top of said receptacle, said applicator means also being pivotally mounted for swinging movement toward and away from said cable and normally tilted inwardly, said applicator means having an upper portion that extends toward said cable and bears against said cable by reason of its own weight.

4. Apparatus for applying fluid to an elongate body such as pipe, wire, cable, or the like, comprising a receptacle, a rigid frame member extending upwardly from one side only of said receptacle, there being free space free of any fixed frame member on the other side of the receptacle, rollers attached to said frame above the'receptacle, said rollers being engageable on top of said elongate body for suspending the receptacle directly below the elongate body, a pair of matched rotary fluid applicators disposed substantially upright but tilted toward one another within said receptacle and pivoted to opposite sides thereof for swinging movement toward and away from said elongate body, and lever means attached to the applicator at said other side of said receptacle with capacity to swing said applicator outwardly away from said rollers through said free space for inserting the elongate body below said rollers.

5. Apparatus for swabbing cable comprising a fluid receptacle, spaced brackets fixed to and extending upwardly of said receptacle, rollers on said brackets directly above said receptacle, a pair of opposed longitudinal shafts supported by the sides of said receptacle, applicator carriages pivoted to each of said shafts, transverse shafts mounted on each of said applicator carriages free to rotate about axes disposed transversely of said receptacle, and rotary applicators on each of said transverse shafts, said rotary applicators normally tilting toward one another with their upper the top of said cable and their lower portions portions contacting one another over spaced apart from one another and extending within said receptacle.

6. Apparatus for coating cable with a fluid comprising a receptacle for the coating fluid, means for suspending said receptacle below said cable, rotary liquid applicator means supported at an angle to the vertical in said receptacle, said applicator means extending within the receptacle and above the top of said receptacle and above the top of said cable, said applicator means also being pivotally mounted .for swinging movement toward and away from said cable and having capacity to apply fluid in excess to the top and sides of said cable, brush mounting means fixed o the ont and rear of said receptacle, said mounting means including upwardly divergent front and back walls, and a brush having a body portion disposed between said front and back Walls with capacity to tilt forwardly and rearwardly, said brush having bristles extending up- 2 8v wardly from said body portion and contacting the bottom. of said cable to remove excess coating fluid therefrom.

1-. The apparatus defined in claim 6, wherein fluid directing means are provided forming drain passages in the brush body portion and in the mounting means, for returning the excess coating fluid to the receptacle.

CLARENCE J. REIGI-I.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 6,012 Green ..a Jan. 9, 1849 172 067 Alexander Jan. 11, 187 6 308,506 Marsan et al. Nov. 25, 1884 327,26; Hatfield a Sept. 29, 1885 "1,269,514 Ulrich June 11, 1918 

